You may need a refresher...because I have been MIA for so long.
Olive, sleeves...very little yarn...remember?
Here she is...awaiting a zipper...
I finished the seaming about 4 days ago...you can see that I have had no time to search for a zipper.
Here is a little thought for you fiber specialists.
I get gauge...but a swatch is so small that you don't really see how the fabric will drape in the big picture. This sweater has a lot of weight to it, being a semi chunky knit. When I try the sweater on it is a little longer because of how the yarn pulls it down. Are you following me?
Anyway, what do I do about a zipper size? Measure when I have it on? Lay it flat to measure for a zipper length? Take both of these things into consideration? Or just make a button loop and attach a button...forgetting the zipper all together?
17 comments:
Now _that_ is a dilemma. I'd probably go with the button--but only because I am too lazy figure it out and to sew in the zipper. But if you're set on the zipper--I think the zipper might stabilize the fabric, so that if you work with the flat measurement, it won't stretch when you put it on.
I say measure when you have it on... but then, I'm just finishing the Urban Aran for my brother (delayed X-mas present) and measuring while it's on him is not an option. BTW, did you hand stitch your zipper into Urban or machine stitch? You do beautiful work.
I would also measure when the sweater is on you, just to get a sense of how much stretching is happening. But unless you're set on a zipper, maybe a button is the way to go. It's hard for me to imagine the zipper ending well.
Looking at the picture, I think it would look best with a zipper. Could you baste in a spare zipper to see if it looks best stretched or not?
I would go with measuring while it is on you. And please wash the zipper before putting it in. Sometimes they shrink, and then there is loads of puckering going on. The button idea would be attractive, or a frog closure, but would result in a different use for the sweater. With a zipper, this sweater becomes very practical and warm. With a button maybe prettier, but not as warm, and you'd need to wear a compatable top under it.
Just saying.
Marlyce in Windsor, Ontario
dicey situation. i had the same problem - i installed a zipper in a heavy sweater too, and the sweater stretched around the zipper! the edges of the sweater drooped lower on each side of the zipper after a day of wear. boo. I'd opt for the button...
A button would be nice, but if you do decide to go for the zipper, I would measure the opening while you are wearing it. Otherwise you'll get the dreaded "hiked up zipper syndrome" or HUZS. I think Merck is working on an expensive Rx for this acronym as we speak. :-)
Hi, I would go for the button route. If the sweater is that heavy and you put in a zipper, the more wearings the sweater gets the more it will stretch (as most hand knits do) on the sides and back and then you will have a shorter front around the zipper area, and after all that beautiful work, I suspect you would like to get many wonderful wearings from this piece without having to re-do a zipper opening. Have a wonderful day! Char.
I think measuring while it's on, and then basting the zipper in, would paint the most accurate picture. I believe in you and know you can do the zipper and then look smashing wearing it!
Knitting Iris blog suggested this blog for zipper instructions, I hope it helps!
http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/2006/10/separating-zipper-tutorial-handsewing.html
Very nice, I dont have any zipper advice, but I do find it funny that the color is never the same per picture. :D
Would a double ended zipper work? (I'm not sure if that's what you call them, but they open from both ends) - that way, even if the cardi stretches, it won't matter so much as you can leave the bottom of the zip open?
I knit a big Mary Maxim sweater for my ex once (one of those ones with an intarsia pic on the back) and I've never been happy with the zip. I laid it flat and the rest of the sweater now hangs much lower than where the zip holds the front edges. He gave me the sweater back for DS (gotta give him credit there! lol) and I'm going to take out the zip and redo it.
So I'd suggest hanging the sweater on a padded hanger for a few days and see where it ends up, THEN adding the zip.
I was going to say hang the sweater up for some time, let it stretch and then put in the zipper - but I see someone just mentioned that in the comment before me. Maybe even wait a week or two.
I vote for adding the zipper, it just seems like a cozy zipper kind of sweater. I agree with the other commenters -- let the sweater hang for a couple of days and then measure. Good Luck!
How about hooks-and-eyes? They're a bit of a pain to sew in and to close, but they would give you a tighter closure than buttons, if that's important.
I'd avoid the zipper.
Okay, I give...just can't figure out the source of Sally Melville's Olive you've make just LOVE! I've got three of her books, but NO Olive in sight!
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